[ Airplane approaching ] [ Explosions ] [ Glass shattering ] [ Coughing ] [ Moaning ] [ Car engine running ] LOVEJOY: Every Christmas, it was the tradition of the Felshams to distribute largesse among the deserving poor.

JANE: Oh, Lovejoy, do shut up.

LOVEJOY: A frown creased her ladyship's lovely brow as she remembered that this year she would have to take the burden on her own slender shoulders.

What a relief... [ Imitates trumpets ] ...that trusty Lovejoy would be there.

And yet, she wondered why, when she thought of him of late, it brought such a girlish flush to her cheeks.

Actually, I do have an enormous favor to ask you.

Just say the word, your ladyship.

JANE: Aah!

Lovejoy.

Get off!

Of course that's some time after breakfast.

Over there in the corner if you wouldn't mind.

We'll be having carols at 10:00 as usual.

So we'll expect Father Christmas at 11:00.

Fine.

Well, Lovejoy's kindly volunteered.

Thank you, Lovejoy.

Over here...

I always thought I'd step into Alexander's shoes, not his beard.

I hope he's had it dry-cleaned.

Well, why not, anyway?

There's bound to be dinner afterwards at Felsham Hall.

A blazing log fire in the grate.

The agonizing choice of which claret to plunder from the cellar.

And later, shoes kicked off, lying on the hearth rug, dogs banished to the kitchen, the last of the chocolate liqueurs melting on her lips.

Oh, yes, seems a very fair trade-off for a few ho, ho, ho's.

JANE: Lovejoy.

Just practicing, Janey.

Ho, ho, ho.

Ho, ho, ho.

MAREK: I'm lost.

DRIVER: Be all new to you, this.

Went up in the '50s.

MAN: Neal, we found the house you're looking for.

Gorgeous chair, Tink.

Lovely splat.

Moor the Younger, almost certainly.

He'll be back if he sees us bidding for it.

Perhaps Dotty might do us the honors.

Dotty.

DOTTY: Hello.

Hello, love.

I think I've been terribly foolish, Lovejoy.

Not with that fellow on the Suzuki that does your French polishing.

No such luck, dear.

No.

No, I bought these, and I don't think I should have.

I tend to buy the things I like, you see.

Nothing wrong with that.

How much did you pay for them?

200.

-You did well.

-Did I?

Yeah, people tend to overlook gloves.

Listen, Dotty... we'll stake you.

We want you to bid for Lot 132.

You can go up to £2,500.

How exciting.

And while you're doing that, I'll take these off your hands, so to speak.

I'll get you more for these than you paid for the whole set.

Are they special?

A. Alexandra.

Princess of Wales, Dotty.

Well, they're the ones I particularly like.

[ Bells ringing ] [ Doorbell ringing ] Can I help you?

I know this house.

I was here many years ago.

WOMAN: Really?

The family name was Bainbridge.

No.

We bought it from some people called Garrett.

They went to live in France.

He wrote a tedious book about their experience and made an absolute fortune.

There was an oak tree there, I think.

Oh, yes, you're quite right.

There was.

We lost it in the hurricane.

You have hurricanes in England?

WOMAN: Not very often, but we had one a few years ago.

Would you want to use the phone or something?

LOVEJOY: 500, 1,000, 1,500.

2,000 DOTTY: Are you going to keep it?

LOVEJOY: Oh, no, darling.

Unlike you, I can't afford to get attached to my antiques.

Tomorrow that will be in Ipswich with a man called Bowles.

Yes.

I suppose the reason I don't do terribly well is 'cause there are things in here I just can't bear to part with.

There you go.

Well, if you ever think of parting with this, let me know, will you?

Only if you keep it yourself.

I don't want it ending up in Ipswich with a man called Bowles.

[ Both laugh ] [ Door opens, bells ring ] Can I help you?

Dorothy.

DOTTY: Yes.

It's me.

Marek.

Marek?

It can't be.

But it is.

I think I need to sit down.

Oh, no, no, no, no, no.

I think you'd be more comfortable over here, love.

You all right, Dotty?

It must be... 50 years.

I thought you were dead.

Not yet.

Yeah.

Well, um, yeah.

Here's the money, Dotty.

Thank you, Lovejoy.

LOVEJOY: Excuse me.

[ Bells ring ] I'm sorry if I give you a fright.

What happened to your poor face?

If you're expecting to be fed, you're out of luck.

Never entered my mind.

I think we should nip down to Plough and Sail for a sandwich.

I'm having lunch at Pru's.

Oh, she likes me, your sister.

No, she doesn't.

Yes, she does.

Well, maybe she does, but you're not invited.

You spend a lot of time with your sister recently, Janey.

She's been very supportive since Alexander...

In fact, she -- Well, she and Miles -- want me to spend Christmas with them.

They think a change of scene would do me good.

They only live 35 miles away.

No, they want me to go skiing with them and some other people.

Hold on a minute, Janey.

I thought that we were going to spend Christmas together here after you'd done your Mother Teresa bit around the village.

Yes, I know I mentioned that, but, well, you know what it's like, Lovejoy, this time of year and all.

No.

No, I don't know what it's like.

I'd just like to hear about these other plans and these other people.

There's the Kinnisons.

And Mile's partner.

Gail and Francesco, if they're getting on.

Miles' partner?

Johnny Brinton-Taylor.

I don't think you've met.

No.

No.

How come I'm only hearing about this now, Janey?

Well, they need my decision today.

I think you've already made your decision, haven't you?

In fact, I think that you're off down the slopes with Johnny Brinton-Taylor.

Or do they call him "Jonno"?

There'll be a whole bunch of us.

Oh, bull, Janey.

I can tell by your voice.

In fact, I can tell by the way you can't look me in the eye, can you, hmm?

Hmm?

Janey, Janey, I can understand in your present semi-detached condition that you might need an impulsive, meaningless relationship.

I just think it should be with me.

Lovejoy, sleeping with you is not the answer to everything.

[ Horn honks ] What are you doing, Eric?

I put 'em up.

I can tear 'em down.

Why?

Do you remember that Wendy?

Wendy...Wendy... Oh, yes, the drummer with the tattoos.

Well, I did everything for her.

Fly posters, leaflets.

Humped her bloody amp from gig to gig.

Fixed the heater on their van.

And now she gives me the heave-ho Just when they're getting big.

Big?

Yeah, they're doing Felixstowe on Thursday night.

Ooh, that big.

I know.

It's incredible.

Yeah.

Yeah, I know how you feel, Eric.

I've lost a lady.

You've lost a tramp.

[ Indistinct conversations ] Ooh, you're a good man, Tink.

Have you seen the time?

I know we're late.

No, I don't mean that.

Don't you miss it?

"Time, gentlemen, please."

I thought you'd like the pubs being open all day.

Not at all.

Half of the charm of drinking was knowing you had only so much time to do it in.

Permissive licensing laws have robbed one of that delicious moment of remorse and poignancy when one was torn from conversation and conviviality and hurled into the street.

Tink, who's the old boy with Dotty?

I sort of met him yesterday.

Polish by the sound of him, isn't he?

He's Czech.

He came over here during the war.

She's his fiancée.

-[ Laughs ] -Oh!

TINKER: They got engaged in 1942.

Aw!

Yeah, and I suppose she didn't wait for him.

That's typical of women, that is.

MAREK: So that's what happened, then?

LOVEJOY: [ Clears throat ] Park your bum, dear, and meet Marek.

Marek, this is my good friend, Lovejoy.

Hello.

Congratulations.

Tinker just told me.

Have you two named a date?

Well, I didn't know how to tell him I've been married since I last saw him.

But, apparently, so has he.

Brylcreem Boys they call us.

You were an Air Force lad.

I was sergeant, tail gunner in Lancasters.

He was shot down, poor dear.

After the war, they sent him back to Czecho, so I never got any of his letters.

And what brings you back to England now, Marek?

Because I am allowed.

Under Communism not possible.

And I promise myself, one day I will return, and the Prague sun will shine again.

[ Clattering, pounding ] [ Grunts ] [ Grunts ] [ Lighter clicks ] [ Lighter clicks ] [ Speaking Czech ] Patriots.

You were only thieves.

These are going back where they belong.

Let me help you, old man.

Aah!

Lovejoy.

Did a better deal than I thought in Ipswich.

Your commission.

I hoped you were Marek.

Is something wrong?

Well, he said he'd be back by 6:00, and it's after 8:00.

I loaned him my van so that he could go around the countryside, visit all his old haunts.

Maybe he's got a fiancée in the next parish.

I do hope he hasn't had an accident.

Find him for me, Lovejoy.

There's a dear.

All right, Dotty.

Now, where do you think he might have gone?

[ Rock music blaring ] [ Radio tuning ] [ Christmas music plays ] MAN: From Shirley Bassey, "I (Who Have Nothing)."

[ Bagpipes play "Deck the Halls" ] [ Radio stops ] [ Engine turns over ] I'm heading towards Thaxted.

Why?

Dotty's lost her Czech.

I thought we paid her cash.

Her aviator.

I'll drop you home if you like.

No point.

She's not going to phone.

-Who?

-Wendy.

Oh, the tramp?

-Yeah.

-No.

ERIC: So, what was a Czech doing in the Royal Air Force?

A lot of them were in it then.

Czechs, Poles, Dutch.

The ones that got away from the Nazis.

That's what I'd have been in, you know, if I'd been in the war.

The Air Force.

Crossing the Channel on a misty morning.

Drop a few bombs.

[ Imitates explosions ] And then back to the mess for bacon and eggs and a sing-song.

And then one morning you don't come back.

And there's your faithful black Labrador whining at the foot of your bed.

ERIC: Hey, hey.

No, no.

That's the turning!

LOVEJOY: [ Sighs ] Eric, if you'd been navigating, none of us would have come back.

[ Car approaching ] Bring that torch, Eric.

[ Car doors closing ] ERIC: Is that Dotty's van?

LOVEJOY: Yeah.

[ Squeaking ] Shit.

A rat.

I hate bloody rats.

Yeah.

Just go around.

He's alive.

What do you reckon, heart attack?

Some kind of attack.

Eric, go and get an ambulance.

Go on.

[ Beeping ] Oh, ta.

They won't let me talk to him.

What do you think?

Slipped?

Cracked his head?

No.

He was lying on his face.

Someone whacked him.

Can you believe it, eh?

I mean, the bloke fights for this country in the war, comes back after all this time, and gets boshed by a yobbo.

What must he think of England now, eh?

My husband was in intensive care.

So frightening.

All those lights blinking.

And you're terrified they'll suddenly go out.

LOVEJOY: Yeah.

Well, he's unconscious, but at least he's stable.

DOTTY: How frightful.

Dotty?

Is this you?

Yes.

With him.

He was very handsome.

Do you mind?

DOTTY: No, of course.

My parents didn't approve.

I thought first it was because he was foreign, but I think now it must have been because they were just boys.

So few of them came back.

Ooh, I found something else.

Here.

Look.

My engagement ring.

Marek gave it to me all those years ago.

Whew!

Daddy said, "At least he isn't an American."

LOVEJOY: That's quite a diamond for a lad on a sergeant's pay.

[ Sighs ] Ooh!

Dennis.

Please.

What are you doing here, Lovejoy?

Oh, I think I might have lost my address book here last night.

Do you think one of your lot might have found it?

If they did, they're probably ringing some of your lady friends by now.

What are you doing here anyway?

Got to lock the place up.

If the old boy croaks, it's murder, isn't it?

-Is he any better?

-No, there's no change.

I'll tell you what, though.

He wasn't robbed.

He still had his wallet and quite a bit of cash.

LOVEJOY: Yeah?

Maybe somebody from the past.

Reckon he had enemies?

Only the Luftwaffe.

Duggie's taken a look at your diamonds, and you're right.

They're rose-cut with very few facets.

He thinks the same period.

Quite old, probably 17th century.

May even be part of something, like a bracelet or a brooch.

There's more of them.

I'm sure of it, Tink.

Marek stashed these in the church, and they've been sleeping there since the war.

But someone found out what he was up to.

Have you shared this knowledge with the local constabulary?

Mnh-mnh.

Not yet.

I wanted to hear Marek's story first.

If he lives to tell it.

Yeah.

[ Beeping ] [ Telephone ringing ] Who are you?

I'm Lovejoy.

Who are you?

I'm his daughter.

I'm afraid this is all they had to eat.

I'm not hungry.

I'm sure Eric will find you a decent hotel room.

I have not got much money.

Well, maybe you can stay with this friend of mine tomorrow.

She's got a lovely big house.

I told my father not to come.

He's too old.

He's not strong.

I'm sorry, but it makes me angry and I worry for him.

What did your father do?

He was a lawyer.

But he speak with his heart, so many years he's in prison.

After, he work in library.

His life was a disappointment.

But he is happy that I'm a painter.

Oh, you're an artist?

MARINA: Yes.

That is why I have no money.

Mm.

I know what you mean.

Right, I've booked her in at the Ship.

G&T, rum and Coke, and a cognac.

[ Sighs ] Did my father tell you why he came here?

He said something about the Prague sun shining again.

I thought the sun started to shine again when they kicked out the Communists.

JANE: She's rather attractive.

LOVEJOY: Very.

JANE: If you like that sort of urchin look.

Dirty fingernails, that kind of thing.

She's not got dirty fingernails, Janey.

She's an artist.

She was probably at her palette when she got the call to come over here.

It's probably a bit of burnt umber.

Oh, look.

Now, there are some things I must tell you before I leave.

This is for you.

Early present?

Open it.

Now, have I got everything?

LOVEJOY: Janey.

You shouldn't have.

JANE: The children will love you.

Oh, and the matron asked if you'd be awfully kind and do the staff party on Christmas Eve as well.

These are the toys.

LOVEJOY: Hmm.

They only need wrapping.

Wrapping?!

Emma Breeze has a whole lot more over at Much Hadham.

Has Emma wrapped hers?

She's been rushed off her feet.

Oh, Lovejoy, it's only once a year.

Just think of the children's faces.

I can't believe you've lumbered me with this while you're off to the slopes with Jonno.

Had a few practice runs down the old stairs, have we?

Well, at least you could say, "I hope you have a nice time."

I hope you have a nice time.

Bit chilly out there, eh?

There's some coffee in the drawing room.

Oh, thank you.

How long do you suppose she's going to stay?

Hard to tell.

Mrs. Cameron's going to Edinburgh the day after tomorrow.

Well, I have got all this wrapping to do, haven't I?

Still, Marina can help me.

And Tinker.

And Eric.

How is he?

The doctor says he must sleep.

They give him, you know... Did he say anything?

He want me to go home.

He says I must warn Axel.

Who's Axel?

They were students together.

My father think he is dead.

Then two months ago, he appear back in his life.

Warn Axel about what?

The man who attacked my father.

[ Sighs ] What do I do?

TINKER: I have chosen this wine with great care.

It's not our cellar after all.

I have tried to tread that delicate path between gratuitous indulgence and self-denial.

[ Door closes ] Well, then... -Mm.

-Mm.

Well, then... Mmm!

Well, what?

Found something out, haven't I?

Where's Marina?

Resting.

Very good, Tink.

What have you found out?

The Prague Sun.

I know what old Marek was on about.

Well, what was he on about?

I wouldn't mind a glass of that plonk myself.

Well, I went into Cambridge, didn't I?

Took a look round all the bookshops.

Ahh!

And?

And... the Prague Sun is a monstrance.

And what is a monstrance, Eric?

Well, I haven't got to that bit yet.

It's rather Romish term.

Used in Holy Communion.

The host is placed in it, and it's displayed to the congregation for its adoration.

Right.

Ugh.

Anyway, the point is this one is made from diamonds.

"The 6,000 stones in the diamond monstrance were originally part of a wedding dress.

When the bride died in 1695, she left her entire fortune to the Loreto Shrine."

I bet her husband was pissed off.

He should have had a prenuptial agreement.

"The jewelers unpicked the diamonds and reassembled them into the monstrance, also known as The Prague Sun.

This now forms the centerpiece of a display of monstrances at the Loreto Museum in Prague."

Now, look over the page.

LOVEJOY: [ Whistles ] "Some diamonds were used to pay the court jewelers, but the fate of the others remain a mystery."

Wow.

And your friend, Tink, said the diamond I found in the church was what?

Was 17th century?

Lovejoy, you've got that look.

No, no, no, no, no.

All I'm thinking, Tink, is if someone was prepared to kill the old man for the diamonds, then Marina's not safe.

Well, of course she isn't, and we've got to look after her.

Especially if she goes home.

We?

We?

Well, if you're going to Prague, I'm going an' all.

I mean, I found out about it all.

TINKER: Gentlemen, Prague is not on our patch.

It's beyond the 3-mile limit, that sort of thing.

Don't let a whiff of buried treasure and a pretty ankle turn your heads.

You may have heard of the word "defenestration"?

It means the forcible expulsion of a person through a window.

We are famous for this in Prague.

We had four in our history.

The last was in 1948 from a window up there in the Prague Castle.

Poor Mr. Masaryk.

The Communists had reason to kill him, but on the other hand, he was a manic depressive, so who knows?

Well, you can't blame me, can you?

I mean, I've never been to Prague before.

And it is one of the great unspoiled cities in Central Europe.

Notice I said Central, not Eastern, Europe.

The Czechs are a bit funny about that.

They think of Eastern Europeans as turnip-heads, don't they, Eric?

Eh?

Never mind.

Prague is a magical mixture of the Gothic and the Baroque.

It's full of dungeons and domes and legend and mystery.

It's also free from neon slogans, fast-food franchises, talking seatbelts, and yesterday's Top 40 piped into every hotel lobby.

It's like stepping back into another century.

This is Eva Francisca Kolowrat in her wedding dress comprising 6,222 diamonds.

Where are all these monstrices?

Monstrances, Eric.

We're getting there.

Oh, excuse me.

On her death, the diamonds were made into the monstrance known as the Prague Sun.

No photos.

I didn't know!

GUIDE: There you can see the Prague Sun.

The Prague Sun is the most valuable monstrance of the treasury.

During the war, many of the treasures were hidden from the Nazis by the Capuchin monks.

I have found out where Axel lives.

It's very near here.

What did he have to say?

He wasn't there, but I have his work address.

Who are those fellas, then?

MARINA: They're twelve apostles.

And the bloke with the bell?

MARINA: Oh, he is death.

In the Middle Ages, people were afraid of clocks.

They didn't think they recorded time.

They thought they created it.

It's amazing, isn't it, Eric?

So, what time is it?

So, Axel works with antiques, eh?

Yeah, well, don't rubbish the stock, Lovejoy.

[ Gasps ] Eric.

What is it?

Kothgasser of Vienna.

I wonder if he's got any more.

You have a good eye.

Pity it's not signed.

You know something about antiquities, I think.

I, uh, dabble.

[ Speaking Czech ] Of course.

Please come.

Alexei.

Marina?

Marina.

[ Speaking Czech ] My father had an accident in England.

He was attacked.

Does he know why your father went to England?

[ Speaks Czech ] Ne.

Does he know anything about diamonds?

[ Speaks Czech ] Ne.

Well, it must have been a shock.

Would you tell him we're sorry to bring him such sad news?

[ Speaking Czech ] He knew more than he was saying.

How can you tell that?

What he did say was in Czech.

You don't need language to see how scared he was.

Some sad news.

Family business.

I am sorry.

But you are always welcome.

Jan Funke.

Please to have my card.

Lovejoy.

And you are mister... No mister.

Just Catchpole.

Fantastic beer, Eric.

ERIC: Great.

I managed to change us some money from this kid in the square.

I got almost twice the hotel rate.

Mm.

And he told me about this great rock 'n' roll club, so I thought I might tool down there tonight and scope the scene.

Eric, you know Marina is cooking dinner for Axel and us.

Yeah, but you can get rid of him, and then you'll be on your own, won't you?

Eh?

In her studio.

I mean, let's face it.

That's half the reason we're in Prague, isn't it?

Eric, when have I ever let sex interfere with business?

Well, no.

You usually manage to combine the two very effectively.

I bet that's what Jane's thinking an' all.

Do you want to send her a postcard?

'Cause I'm sending Wendy one.

Just to let her know my whereabouts, you know.

That should put a wrinkle in her knickers.

Didn't strike me as the sort of girl who wore them.

[ Lighter clicking ] Stop.

Here.

That should do it.

Axel.

Axel!

DRIVER: Hey, English.

What?

Is it not enough or something?

Is no good.

Look.

This is not Czech money.

Eric.

You take English money?

Sterling?

Sure.

One.

Take two.

Axel!

Axel!

Axel.

Axel?

Axel.

It's me.

Marina's friend.

[ Speaks Czech ] What?

Marek?

I don't understand.

What about Marek?

I never think they will hurt him.

[ Speaks Czech ] [ Footsteps approaching ] [ Knock on door ] Lovejoy.

Sorry I'm late for dinner.

My God, what happened?

Someone bashed me on the head.

I can't believe this.

Someone rob you?

Yeah, but I don't think that was the object of the exercise.

I saw Axel.

Did he come here?

No.

He was coming from this direction.

When I caught up with him, he was lying in a doorway exhausted, and then, bomp, lights went out.

Can I have a drop of this wine?

Yes.

Sorry.

That's okay.

When you wake, was he there?

No.

You see...

I think Axel lied to us this afternoon.

But I think he was coming here tonight for dinner to tell you the truth.

But something happened.

'Cause just before I got whacked on the head, the last words I heard were "I did not think they would hurt Marek."

I think we have to go and look for him.

It's through here.

[ Door handle rattling ] If he's not here, we should call the hospitals or the police.

Or maybe while we're here, we should have a good look round.

But it's locked, no?

[ Clicking ] [ Gasps ] Aah!

Let's get out of here.

Come on.

[ Men speaking Czech, footsteps approach ] Come on.

Come on!

[ Dog barking ] [ Speaking Czech ] [ Siren wailing ] OFFICER: [ Shouting in Czech ] He says not to move or he shoot.

[ Bells chiming ] Which one of you is the Brit?

Do you mind?

Sebastian Braikes, British Embassy, Prague.

About bloody time!

I'm awfully sorry, but I've got a desperate hangover.

The Hungarians had a Christmas bash last night.

Ever drunk pepper vodka?

[ Chuckles ] Don't.

Can you get me out of here?

They're going to want you in court at some point for breaking and entering.

Until then, technically, you're in H.M.'s custody.

You're in a lot of trouble, Mr. Lovejoy.

You've been arrested for housebreaking, and there was something about a body in a bed?

The body was in the bed before I got there.

They're doing an autopsy, apparently.

To check for foul play, that sort of thing.

I've spent hours telling them everything, including the fact that earlier last night I was beaten up and robbed.

Well, that's the other problem, of course.

You've lost your passport.

The visa section's going to be really ticked off.

They've sort of wrapped things up for the hols.

It's going to be an absolute nightmare.

Eric Catchpole can vouch for me.

We've checked your hotel.

He's not there.

-Must have scored.

-Lovejoy!

What the hell are you doing here?

Currency irregularity.

I couldn't pay my tab.

There was a bit of pushing and shoving, and I chinned somebody.

Sebastian, while we're here... How are we paying for this, Lovejoy?

Marina's treat.

I feel such a prannet about all our money and that.

Why, Eric?

Anybody could have missed this.

"Yugoslavia."

Knock it on the head, Lovejoy.

Somebody did, Eric.

That's why I've got no money.

Well, I've got my credit card with me, but I think the limit's up.

Oh, brilliant.

I did my Christmas shopping last week, didn't I?

I spent 60 quid on you.

You didn't?

What did you get me?

It's a surprise, innit?

Christmas Day.

That's when you'll find out.

Eric, I have no passport, you have no money.

We're both due in court.

I don't think we'll be home for Christmas.

Oh, God.

Why did we come here anyway?

Ask a silly question.

We got you a selection.

Marina.

I found this picture at Axel's.

Now, this is your father, isn't it?

And this is Axel.

Do you know who this is?

No.

We stop.

Excuse me?

We end this thing now.

No more.

Marina, there's a lot of unanswered questions.

I do not care.

I do not care for mysteries.

Old men's mysteries that happened a long time ago.

-Marina, the only way -- -My father may die.

His friend is dead.

That's why -- I don't wish to be frightened anymore.

I want to live my life!

Marina, Eric and I came a long way.

For what?

For the love of my father?

He is a stranger.

Because I was sad?

You don't know me.

Maybe you think there is money or diamonds here.

No, no, no, no, no.

We wanted to help.

So I thank you.

Marina, maybe you should go to England to be with your father.

I cannot.

Since I'm arrest I cannot leave Prague.

She won't be wanting these, then.

[ Tape stretching ] CAROLERS: ♪ Now bring us a figgy pudding ♪ ♪ Now bring us a figgy pudding ♪ ♪ Now bring us a figgy pudding ♪ ♪ And bring some out here ♪ Oh, shut up.

[ Knock on door ] Humbug!

CAROLERS: ♪ We wish you a Merry Christmas ♪ [ Crunch ] [ Yodeling ] [ Cheers and applause ] JANE: Hello?

I thought I'd catch you now.

Off the slopes at 4:00, out of a Badedas bath, ready for après-ski, eh?

Where are you?

What do you want?

Wanted to know how you are and how's Jonno.

Rather tiresome, actually.

I think he assumes too much from my coming here.

LOVEJOY: Has he been laying siege to your door, Janey?

Is that him making that terrible noise I can hear in the background?

No, it isn't, Lovejoy.

That's Johannes Eiger, the Tyrolean Mountain Goat, actually.

So, how are you getting on with the presents?

Oh, um... Well, that's actually what I'm calling about, Janey.

I mean, I'm sure Tink is very capable and all that, but, uh...well, uh... [ Chuckles ] Well, actually, I'm next door to you.

I'm in Prague.

-With that girl?

-LOVEJOY: No.

No.

That's actually Eric you can hear snoring.

Hold on.

Hold on.

[ Grunts ] Have a word with Janey.

-Say hello.

-Hello.

That's enough.

That's enough.

Can you hear him?

Eric.

So, what are you doing?

LOVEJOY: Um... Stranded, actually.

Well, we're staying at the Krivan Hotel, Prague, so you could send the money there.

What money?!

The money we haven't got and you have.

Also, Janey, I lost my passport, and I'm in a little trouble with the police.

You are a sod, Lovejoy.

I thought you rang to see how I was.

I did.

Oh, I did.

I mean, I miss you very much.

I wish you were here.

-[ Snoring ] -Shut up, Eric.

In fact, Janey, if I had a high-powered chopper, I'd fly you here in half an hour.

If you had a high-powered chopper, I might not have left you behind in the first place.

Janey, please!

Don't talk like that in front of the kids.

[ Speaks Czech ] [ Crying ] Hello!

WOMAN: Hello.

Lovejoy.

320.

Has some money been mailed to me?

One moment.

No.

No?

Oh, please, Janey, come through for little Lovejoy, eh?

There are no microphones in chandeliers anymore, Mr. Lovejoy.

Police.

It's a very unflattering photo of you.

Aneska?

Anesh-ka.

What is it?

More questions, Aneska?

[ Telephone rings ] I am not with criminal division.

I am with... [ Speaks Czech ] Of course you are.

It is special section.

We only exist since the changes.

Our job is to protect my country's history -- our paintings, our antiques.

Protect it from what?

From leaving Czechoslovakia.

The only art I've seen is graffiti on a cell wall.

For a man with your interests, Mr. Lovejoy, this is a waste.

This man... is called Redl.

He used to be with STB.

It was our secret police.

We think for many years he has been stealing our art treasures.

LOVEJOY: So, why don't you arrest him?

If we do, we may not recover what he has stolen.

[ Sighs ] I get the feeling you think I can help.

[ Organ playing ] ANESKA: For five centuries, this was the only bridge across the river.

Well, now you've got a free-market economy, don't let anyone buy it.

[ Laughs ] Come on, you can't buy a bridge.

Don't be too sure.

Someone bought London Bridge.

Now it's sitting in the middle of Arizona.

I was brought up to believe that capitalists were bad.

Now I know we need these people.

But we do not need gangsters.

I hope you're not looking at me.

[ Chuckles ] Listen, if you help us, all the other charges against you will disappear.

You are the kind of man who will interest Redl.

We can leak to him that you are an expert in antiques, that you've got contacts in the West, that you are a man who will bend the law when it suits him.

Maybe even with a criminal past.

LOVEJOY: A bit far-fetched but maybe he'll buy it.

Sounds bloody dodgy to me, Lovejoy.

And you reckon she's secret police?

You're gonna end up in a rubber room.

I don't have much choice, kid.

I was found breaking in to a flat where there was a corpse.

And he was murdered.

She told me.

Did she?

Hold this.

Two thumbs applied to the carotid artery.

-Ooh!

-Very professionally.

Give me your gum, Eric.

Ooh!

Ooh.

And the diamond.

You could have had a fresh piece, you know.

[ Telephone rings ] Hello?

[ Knock on door ] Lovejoy?

Yes, Eric?

It's Marina on the phone.

MARINA: I'm sorry for the things I say to you.

I cannot ignore what has happened.

What made you change your mind?

She did.

Her name is Lila.

She came to me at Axel's funeral.

You were right.

That is my father, and that is Axel.

Lila tell me that when the war begin, many of the students try to help save our art from falling into Nazi hands.

They took things from monasteries, museums, galleries.

They hid them in the countryside, in churches and farms and wine cellars, sometimes only hours ahead of the Germans.

One night, near Brno, there was an accident.

A crash on an icy road.

[ Coughing ] The Germans were near them.

They divide the diamonds and then they say goodbye and they separate.

A year ago, she read in the newspaper a man is killed near the railway yard.

She knows his name.

It was this man.

And then she hear that Axel is dead.

Why did she want to talk to you?

She want to warn my father.

Not knowing she was a week late.

MARINA: Yes.

When I tell her, she is great shock.

What's her connection with these men?

MARINA: She will not say, but you know she is not all, you know, in the mind.

I ring the number in her purse.

She live in home for old people.

Dotty had a copy of this photograph in England.

There was another man.

Axel tore the corner off.

Why?

He wanted to protect someone?

LOVEJOY: I think it had something to do with the Prague Sun.

[ Beeping ] Ah, Mr. Dill.

Splendid.

Are these all of them?

Well, they're not the usual plods.

They're not the local police.

I don't know what they are, but the girl says -- Aneska -- says that they're some sort of art squad.

That's new.

Then, of course, a lot of things are at the moment.

Well, if you can sort something out, fine.

Otherwise, the court date is the 28th.

Oh, no.

That means I have to be here through Christmas.

It's not all bad here.

The embassy has a bash on Christmas Eve, which I suppose you could come to.

Most of the dips are married, so they push off early and then we have a disco and some of the secretaries get quite out of it.

Sebastian.

You don't understand.

Christmas Day, I have to be there, playing the man, ho, ho, ho, in my local hospital.

I don't think that's sufficient reason to change the workings of the Czech judicial system.

No, Sebastian.

Think of the children, their little faces.

Humbug.

How is he?

Hard to tell, dear.

Doctors tell you nothing.

"Stable" is the word they keep using.

Let's go down the pub.

I could do with a large one.

I had a call from Lovejoy.

More than I've had.

He wants me to dig out an old snapshots of Marek and fox it to him.

I think he meant fax.

[ Bells ring ] Oh, it is mister... Lovejoy.

You wish to see again the Kothgasser?

No, no, no, no, no.

I wanted to ask you about Axel.

Oh, my God, what a tragedy.

What a terrible thing.

Did anyone -- anyone ever visit him here?

I do not think he knew many people.

He moved here only a year ago from Kosice.

I met no one apart from yourself and Catchpole.

And, of course, your beautiful friend.

How much is this?

FUNKE: Let me see.

In U.S. dollars, 1,200.

Thank you.

[ Bells ring ] -FUNKE: Goodbye.

-WOMAN: Goodbye.

Excuse me.

As he didn't know many people, did he ever confide in you, tell you anything?

Forgive me, but we had little in common.

Except antiques.

Did he ever suggest that he had anything valuable?

Diamonds perhaps.

Diamonds?

He owned nothing.

I thought he looked frightened.

Of dying alone, perhaps.

Which, of course, he did.

Please come.

My mother told me never to get into cars with strange men.

Ah.

-Lovejoy.

-Janey?

Lovejoy, there you are!

I brought you the money in person, you foolish thing.

Hello.

The city's enchanting.

I had no idea.

Now, do you want to come with me?

Or do you know somewhere wonderful for lunch?

Janey.

Have I come at a bad moment?

Prosím.

Please.

Please wait.

LOVEJOY: Why not?

I sorry about this, Janey.

Are you all right?

Yes.

No, actually.

I'm rather frightened.

You could have wired the money, you know.

To tell the truth, the chalet was unbearable.

No one was getting on.

So I told Pru, "I'm going to rent a car and go see Lovejoy."

"That's not very sensible," she said.

And I said, "I'm sick of being sensible.

I've been sensible all my life, ever since they made me head girl at school."

I thought it was long overdue for me to be reckless and irresponsible.

You should have listened to your sister.

Who are these people?

You mean, "Do we know them?

They seem awfully common."

We've just been kidnapped, for God's sake.

Listen.

What?

-Listen.

-[ Bell dinging ] It sounds like a distant fairground.

A carousel or something.

I'm sorry about these precautions.

This place is too closely guarded a secret to share it with civilians.

My name is Redl, Mr. Lovejoy.

Karel Redl.

It means nothing to me.

Me neither.

It used to mean quite a lot to some people in the old days.

Since the democracy, I am no longer in favor.

You knew my name and your goon knew where to pick me up.

You must have some connections.

But I don't know your friend.

The name's Felsham.

Lady Felsham.

I know about the other lady, but not about this lady.

Who's this?

He must mean Marina.

Yes, I'm sure he must.

I don't think you came to Prague because of a woman, Mr. Lovejoy.

Not even because of a lady.

I think you came because of these.

Worth the airfare.

What do you know about these stones?

They look like they come from the Prague Sun, but when I saw it in the Loreto, it looked pretty intact.

But you didn't see it.

You saw a replica.

Oh, yes, Mr. Lovejoy, I assure you.

I have the real one.

It came into my hands after the war when I led a unit recovering hidden works of art.

But it was in pieces.

I was a rising star in the Communist Party, so it wasn't difficult for me to find the finest craftsmen.

What I eventually restored to a grateful nation was a fake.

I'm sure that wasn't the only thing you didn't give back to a grateful nation.

These are things I've collected over a period of years.

Stolen?

Acquired.

Redl, you're a collector.

I'm a dealer.

You can't move this stuff in Czechoslovakia.

You can't sell it in the auction houses in the West.

What you need are private collectors who won't ask too many questions where the stuff comes from.

I know these people.

Together, we could make some serious money.

Lovejoy, there is a limit.

Keep out of this, Jane.

Mr. Lovejoy, my greatest asset is the Prague Sun, but it's incomplete.

I've spent half my life looking for the missing diamonds.

I thought the trail might end in England, but I was wrong.

Why do you think I can help you?

Because of the girl.

And her father is still alive.

Please, you have a great deal to gain.

I'm not much good to you here, like this, am I?

You are free to go, Mr. Lovejoy.

Can you order us a taxi?

For you alone.

I think the lady should stay with us as insurance.

Ah, Lovejoy.

Okay?

[ Sighs ] [ Bird cawing ] Couldn't we meet somewhere warm?

I mean, haven't you got an office?

Here I can be sure you are not followed.

Redl made contact.

This is good.

No, it's not good.

He took a friend of mine hostage.

The young man from England?

No.

A young woman from England.

I did not ask you to involve any friends.

Where did he take you?

I don't know.

Underground through tunnels.

Prague has many such places.

It is a medieval city.

And what does Redl want from you?

He thinks I can find some missing diamonds.

And can you?

I've got a lead, but it's a long shot.

Follow it.

Yeah, I've got something for you.

A man called Funke at the same shop where Axel worked.

Yes?

I went to see him yesterday.

Today they picked me up.

Now, this may not be a coincidence.

We will check this out.

You do that.

I'd like to get my friend out of there.

Eric.

Ah!

Where the hell have you been?

You won't believe me.

Is that the fax?

Yeah.

It's just arrived.

LOVEJOY: Who is this one on the end?

ERIC: I don't know.

He looks younger than the others, though, don't he?

He's just a boy.

Or a girl.

Axel.

Marek.

And is this you?

[ Speaks Czech ] Ano.

Yes.

What's this on your coat?

Looks like gilt.

It is gilt.

Eh?

[ Bell dinging ] That's the sound.

I'm sure of it.

What are you talking about?

Jane said it sounded like a fairground.

That's the sound, Eric.

Which means Redl's place is somewhere nearby, and thanks to you I think I know how we get there.

Thanks to me?

[ Bell dings ] Mr. Lovejoy.

We are closed.

Not yet you're not.

Where are you going?

And what are you doing?

I'm his muscle.

If you don't leave, I shall call the police.

See this?

I must have brushed up against this yesterday coming up from your cellar.

Ow!

I don't know what you are talking about.

Oh, yes, you do.

This is the place.

I recognize the smell.

[ Grunts ] [ Thud ] Solid bit of chair, this.

Very good, Eric.

Want his gun?

Here.

Where do you reckon this entrance could be, eh?

What are you thinking?

A secret-book mechanism opens the bookshelf.

Leave it out, Lovejoy.

Very good, Eric.

[ Door opens ] ANESKA: What is going on here?

When you called, I told you to wait for me.

He was closing, love.

Even so, it is illegal entry and assault.

Back there is a door leading to Redl.

Now, I suggest you phone for some extra backup.

You are right.

Your passport does less than justice to your talent.

Perhaps you should change "Antique Dealer" to "Detective."

Hercule Lovejoy.

Doesn't quite cut, really, does it?

Give me the phone.

What are you doing?

The real police never saw my passport.

Whoever stole it... killed Axel.

[ Speaks Czech ] And you, darling.

Eric.

Call the real police.

But I don't speak Czech.

What?

It just sounds like sneezing to me.

Call the hotel or embassy.

Find somebody who does.

Get them here quick!

[ Click ] REDL: My pièce de résistance.

[ Clicking ] Very few have feasted their eyes on my collection.

And you're a man who can appreciate it.

You should be wearing a mask and playing the organ.

[ Chuckles ] You seem to have taken the initiative.

Well, I know that Funke's in with you and that Aneska is a phony cop.

It seemed a subtle approach.

We could find out what kind of a man you are and what you know about the diamonds without resorting to violence.

You must have had your fill of that in your lifetime.

The complication was your woman.

Your lady.

[ Laughs ] Lady.

She's charming.

We've had many a long talk.

Of course you realize that your finding out about this place doesn't guarantee her safety.

Or indeed yours.

She's not the reason I'm here.

I am here for this or at least my share when we become partners.

It's reassuring that you put greed before honor.

But there were other conditions to my offer.

Oh, I have the diamonds.

Well, at least I know where they are.

I don't believe you.

I thought you'd say that.

I brought a sample.

Oh, I'm not armed, Mr. Redl.

Rose-cut, 17th century.

[ Smooches ] [ Laughs ] [ Door opens ] Give our friend here a brandy.

Only two more shopping days left to Christmas, Janey.

I am waiting.

Let me see.

Somehow you got on the trail of the diamonds, and about a year ago, an old man died in some railway yards.

He led you to Axel and his diamonds.

Correct?

We were very good to Axel.

We brought him to the city, and we found him a job.

Only until he tracked down his old friend Marek.

But Axel left something out.

There'd been a fourth member of that student gang.

A woman.

Axel and she were lovers.

You've found this woman?

That's where I got the diamond.

The rest are hidden.

I don't believe you.

And I am still waiting.

She walks first.

She won't say anything.

I'm your hostage now.

She can be on a plane to England tonight.

No, Lovejoy.

I'm not leaving here without you.

-Yes, you will, Jane.

-REDL: No.

She's not going anywhere.

I am still waiting.

Come on, Eric.

Is that the British Embassy?

Oh, great.

Can I speak to Sebastian Braikes urgently, please?

Yeah.

Eric Catchpole.

Catchpole.

[ Alarm beeping ] There's someone in the shop.

[ Shouts in Czech ] -[ Gunshot ] -Aah!

Go ahead, Funke.

Make my day.

Stop it!

Stop it!

Get off!

[ Punching and grunting ] Help!

Help!

-[ Glass shattering ] -Help!

[ Punching ] Help!

Help!

Please help!

Help!

[ Crashing ] [ Singing "Silent Night" in Czech ] [ Shouting ] You son of a -- Will you get off?

Janey!

Jane!

[ Bell dinging ] [ Shouts ] Aah!

Is he dead?

No.

He's just defenestrated.

Look.

[ Muttering ] [ Snorting ] [ Organ playing ] I wish to thank you for when I was in your home.

My father always talked of the kindness of the English.

Your father will get better.

They're very optimistic.

You will spend Christmas with Lovejoy?

I hope so.

They're trying to get us on a flight tomorrow.

He is a very attractive man.

I suppose so.

Did you come to Prague because you love him?

Well... not exactly.

I came for the usual reason.

He was short of money.

Hmm?

[ Speaking Czech ] No photos.

MAREK: We hid the diamonds to save them for our country.

When the Communists took over, I suppose we thought one day we may buy our freedom.

Now our country is free.

It was time to give them back.

Lila buried hers with her first husband.

I don't think she thought she'd ever see freedom again.

I think you ought to have this.

It doesn't really belong to me, does it?

From 6,000 stones?

They can spare one.

[ Footsteps approaching ] Lovejoy.

Hmm?

[ Groans ] And a ho, ho, ho!

TINKER: Ho, ho, ho!

LOVEJOY: Tinker.

TINKER: Lovejoy!

You weren't supposed to be here!

I was filling in for you!

[ Arguing ] So, what's it like to be mobile again, hmm?

Fine.

But I think I'm still seeing double.

[ Laughter ] Lovejoy.

Hold it.

[ Camera shutter clicks ]